{Project Kid} Water Marble Experiment

I saw THIS Youtube video...

and I knew it was time for another experiment.

The kids had so much fun last time, 

And I knew this would be equally as entertaining.

The water marbles are really called Aqua Gems.

I got my little bag at Joann's for $4.99.

The Aqua Gems are 4-5mm in diameter.

When placed in water for six hours, they absorb the water and become 1 inch in diameter.

Joann's sells colored Aqua Gems that are colorfast, but I wanted clear Gems for the initial experiment.

To get colored marbles, we just used 

McCormick Neon Food Color Drops,

Mason Jars,

Water,

and Unused Clear Aqua Gems.

After sitting in the dyed water for 6 hours...

We had vibrant marbles to play with.

These ARE NOT color fast. 

 After mixing the colored marbles in with water overnight...

Almost all color was gone and they had reverted back to clear.

For the initial experiment, 

I placed 1/2 Tablespoon of the Aqua Gems in a large clear glass measuring bowl...

Then a added 1 quart of water.

I didn't want the kids to have any indication of what happened over night.

The next morning I asked them if they wanted to see the experiment?

They ran in the kitchen all excited,

Then were immediately confused at the giant empty see through bowl.

I told them to put their hands in...

That is when the transformation happened.

As they lifted there little hands out the surface began to roil and the marbles suddenly became visible.

They had so much fun watching them disappear...

and pouring them from one container to another.

Some broke, but the majority lasted throughout the day until spoons and squishing became involved.

You can see in our little video,

The water marbles bounce.

The smaller ones handle it better, while the larger tended to break or explode from the pressure.

Pouring the water on the colored ones really did give it a lava lamp type feel to it.

"I'm Abu with the Red Diamonds"

and

"Mommy this is a jar of poison apples!"

(Clearly my kids are obsessed with Disneyland)

"STOP, Hammer Time"

Asher had to have red 

Abbie had to have green, and mommy chose blue

There were a ton of clear ones, but we got into a bomb throwing war with Daddy.

He was defeated, and all the ammo was gone... so no pictures:)

It was neat to show them how the light reflected through the marbles, and the colors projected onto the sidewalk.

Clutching their "spiwament jars"

She is as crazy and silly as her hair:)

This was a success!

We all had so much fun, and couldn't leave these alone.

We haven't even used a quarter of the package that I purchased...

so this is well worth the money we spent.

I love that it was a set it and forget it activity until it was completely ready.

Reality Check

Make sure to watch your kids, these are non toxic, but are a choking hazard.

If you dye these yourself, the color will not last.

The more these are played with, the more they are prone to break.

Aqua Gems are great for Party Centerpieces, Science Experiments, and Gardening.

If the start to dry out, just spritz them with a little water and you should be good to go.

I was not compensated for this post, all opinions are my own.  The makers of Aqua Gems don't even know that I exist.

Linking to~ Lolly Jane, The Gunny Sack, Alderberry Hill